NFL

NFL Draft Review: Seattle Seahawks

If you told anybody last April that the Seattle Seahawks would have the best crop of rookies out of the 2012 NFL Draft you would be met with nothing but laughter. Funny how that worked out. Not only did they have the best draft class of 2012, but it was the best by far. I’m sorry. Nobody even came close.

1st Round, 15th Overall, DE Bruce Irvin: Considered the most questionable pick of the first round, Irvin did his best to vindicate Pete Carroll’s confidence in him. It was considered a reach by just about everyone around the league as he was expected to get picked in the 2nd, or maybe even the 3rd round.

This pick didn’t work out too badly for the Seahawks, though. As a matter of fact, I’d say they got exactly what was expected out of Irvin. A freakish athlete, with superb skills in the pass rush who can’t play the run for the life of him. He set a Seahawks rookie record with 8 sacks, and led all rookies this season. Now if only he could stop that blasted run.

Final Grade: B+

2nd Round, 47th Overall, MLB Bobby Wagner: Good enough for the Seahawks to trade away Ruud before the season even started. So yeah, he played well. After David Hawthorne left in free agency, and they weren’t liking what they were seeing from Ruud they had Wagner switch from being an outside linebacker to the inside. The transition was seamless. A lot of people consider him a favorite to win defensive rookie of the year, and count me among them.

Final Grade: A

3rd Round, 75th Overall, QB Russell Wilson: I could go on for days about how great this pick was, and will say without even a hint of reservation that he was the steal of the draft. His being considered for Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie should speak to how well his season went. Not every day you find a franchise quarterback in the 3rd round.

Final Grade: A+

4th Round, 106th Overall, RB Robert Turbin: This pick addressed a depth need left by Justin Forsett following his signing with Houston. It worked out quite well for the Seahawks. He and Lynch form one of the league’s better one two punches, with Turbin maybe being a little easier to bring down but maybe a little faster too.

Final Grade: B+

4th Round, 114th Overall, Jaye Howard: Was only active for two games all season, and didn’t register a single tackle. Needs to put on more weight to become an active member of this defensive line.

Final Grade: F

5th Round, 154th Overall, ILB Korey Toomer: Yet another reach by Pete Carroll, this one didn’t work out too good though. He was always considered a project though, and was just resigned yesterday from the practice squad. Maybe we’ll see more of Toomer next year.

Final Grade: D

6th Round, 172nd Overall, CB Jeremy Lane: Got a lot more playing time than anyone expected, and had some really good outings. Injuries and a suspension to Brandon Browner even had him starting a few games.

Final Grade: B

Round 6, 181st Overall, SS Winston Guy: Inactive for most of the season, didn’t do much in the 2 games he did play in. Seattle’s got tons of depth at safety though, so who knows where his development is at this point, as he doesn’t get much if any playing time.

Final Grade: D

Round 7, 225th Overall, OG J.R. Sweezy: Took the starting job from John Moffit at right guard late in the season, and didn’t look out of place. That’s good for a 7th round offensive linemen. The team thinks very highly of him and considers him a potential pro-bowler. With proper development and all that jazz.

Final Grade: B+

Round 7, 232nd Overall, DE Greg Scruggs: Great depth pickup on the outside. Registered two sacks this season, and could potentially see his role increase next year depending on the severity, and how they address Clemons’ ACL injury.

Final Grade: C

Like I said, best draft of 2012. A franchise quarterback, three starters in total, and added depth where necessary. What more could you ask for? This group has Seattle the most excited it’s been in years. Just wait until they hit their prime...

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